Ruminations on Spirituality, Recovery and Creativity

As You Can

I have not always been interested in my fellow man. I was extremely self-centered for a great number of years. Much of this had to do with being constantly drunk or high. My perspective did not begin to change until I stopped drinking and using drugs. As a result of quitting, a whole new world opened up. One in which I could put others first for a change. I was able to care for my neighbor. I was finally capable of seeing things from the vantage point of another human being. I started to see how my situation had little if nothing to do with other people. I could stop blaming others. I could start to take responsibility for my own actions. I could see how it was that I was supposed to do whatever I could to move things in the right direction. How I was supposed to at least try.

The following poem came to me earlier this year as I sat contemplating where I’ve been and how far I’ve come.

As you can,You must do what you will;To the extent you cannot,You must then instill the idea toEither lead or follow;Impart or borrow.But never can you,Nor should you,Simply stand around and wallowIn the sin of indecision,Wishing for someone, anyone,To take that hill.You must always at least doWhat you can.